Birmingham Urban Ecohydrological Observatory earns UNESCO recognition
UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) has designated Birmingham’s Upper Tame catchment as an Ecohydrology Demonstration Site.
UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) has designated Birmingham’s Upper Tame catchment as an Ecohydrology Demonstration Site.
Dr James White demonstrating citizen science methods to volunteers in the Birmingham River Champions project
We are delighted to receive this recognition, further exemplifying our commitment to accelerate the implementation of water-related Sustainable Development Goals.
This milestone, spearheaded by freshwater scientists from the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA), and the Birmingham Water Centre (BWC), highlights the university's commitment to addressing critical water-related challenges. The project, titled “Birmingham Urban Ecohydrological Observatory,” joins a global network of demonstration sites that showcase best practices in tackling catchment-scale societal and environmental issues.
As the first Ecohydrology Demonstration Site in England, this designation reflects the university’s pioneering research in the Upper Tame catchment, an area under significant pressure from urbanisation.
Our collaborative efforts have established globally unique facilities and datasets in the Upper Tame catchment, providing invaluable resources for research and driving innovative freshwater science
The Birmingham River Champions citizen science project measuring different river health elements was crucial for the proposal, aligning with one of IHP’s core focuses. Also central to this recognition was the university’s lead role in the NERC-funded “SMARTWATER” project, which aims to diagnose pollution ‘hotspots’ (sources) and ‘hot moments’ (events).
Dr Kieran Khamis deploying a SMARTWATER monitoring station undertaking high-frequency measurements of different pollutant
Understanding when and where pollution ‘cocktails’ occur is crucial for improving degraded waterways. We are thrilled that UNESCO has acknowledged our ground-breaking contributions to urban hydrology and water pollution solutions.
Academics from various colleges within the University of Birmingham continue to integrate their expertise to develop evidence-based solutions for the Upper Tame catchment. Their shared vision aims to address fundamental challenges in the freshwater domain, further solidifying the university’s position as a leader in hydrological research and sustainability.
Professor of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry
Professor Dr Stefan Krause, Professor of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry. His is investigating the impact of global environmental change on hydrological fluxes, biogeochemical cycling & ecohydrological feedback function
Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability)
David M. Hannah is Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability), Professor of Hydrology and UNESCO Chair in Water Sciences, and Director of the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability & Climate Action.
Research Fellow
Dr Liam Kelleher is a research fellow at the Institute for Global Innovation (IGI) working on the Water Challenges research theme at the University of Birmingham.
Research Fellow in Water Sciences
Dr James Christopher White is a global leader in guiding ecologically sustainable water management operations and river management solutions.
Lecturer in Physical Geography
Staff profile for Kieran Khamis, Lecturer in Physical Geography in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham. Kieran is an environmental scientist.